18 Walleye Fishing Tips to Catch Walleye

Walleye fishing has long captured the attention of anglers for its unique challenges and rewards. Known for their elusive nature and sharp senses, walleyes require a strategic approach that considers both their behavior and seasonal patterns. This guide covers 18 tried-and-true tips that can help anglers of all skill levels refine their techniques and increase their catch rates. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, these walleye fishing tips will set you up for success on the water.

18 Walleye Fishing Tips to Catch Walleye

Understanding Walleye Behavior and Habitat

1. Follow Walleye Migration Patterns

Walleyes have distinct migration patterns influenced by seasonal changes, water temperature, and food availability. In spring, walleyes move into shallow waters to spawn, often found near river inlets or rocky shorelines. As the water warms, they migrate to deeper waters for cooler temperatures, remaining there throughout summer. Come fall, walleyes shift back towards shallower areas to feed before winter. Anglers often share a laugh about their funny fishing hats while swapping tips for reeling in these elusive fish.

Understanding these movement patterns increases your chances of finding them, especially during key feeding periods.

2. Know Preferred Depths in Different Seasons

Walleyes are sensitive to depth and temperature changes, so knowing their preferred depths in each season is crucial.

Spring: 5-15 feet in shallows near spawning grounds.
Summer: 15-25 feet in cooler waters or deeper weed beds.
Fall: 10-20 feet as they move to feed closer to shore.
Winter: 20-40 feet under ice, particularly near underwater structures.

Optimal water temperatures for active walleye: between 60°F and 70°F.

Best Gear for Walleye Fishing

3. Rod and Reel Selection

A medium-light to medium-power rod with a fast action is ideal for walleye fishing. A 6'6" to 7' rod provides the necessary sensitivity to detect subtle bites and the strength to set the hook effectively.

4. Line Choice for Walleye Fishing

Selecting the right line is essential for walleye fishing, as it impacts bait presentation and fish detection. Monofilament (6-8 lb test) is popular for clear water and finesse presentations. In stained or darker waters, braided line (10-15 lb test) is ideal, especially when paired with a fluorocarbon leader for better stealth.

5. Recommended Hooks and Jigs

Rod Length & Action: 6'6" to 7' with medium-light power, fast action.
Line Test Weights: 6-8 lb for mono, 10-15 lb for braided.
Jigs: 1/8 oz to 3/8 oz jigs for versatility in different water depths and conditions.

Proven Techniques for Walleye Fishing Success

6. Jigging for Walleye

Jigging is a highly effective method for targeting walleye, particularly in areas with rocky bottoms or weed beds. Using vertical jigging techniques with soft plastics or live bait can entice strikes in both shallow and deep water.

7. Trolling Techniques

Trolling allows you to cover more water, making it a great option for locating walleye. The ideal trolling speed ranges from 1.2 to 2.0 mph, with crankbaits or spinner rigs tipped with live bait.

8. Slip Bobber Fishing

Slip bobber fishing is effective when targeting walleyes at specific depths, especially during low-light hours. It allows you to suspend live bait at precise depths, making it ideal for summer or fall fishing.

9. Casting Techniques

Casting lures near weed lines or rocky points can be successful, especially during spring and fall. Choose lures with a natural action that mimic prey, and retrieve slowly to increase your chances of a strike.

Technique	Best Depths	Ideal Bait/Lure	Seasonal Suitability
Jigging	Shallow to Deep	Soft plastics, minnows	All Seasons
Trolling	Varies	Crankbaits, spinners	Spring, Summer, Fall
Slip Bobber	Mid-depths	Leeches, nightcrawlers	Summer, Fall
Casting	Shallow to Mid	Jerkbaits, swimbaits	Spring, Fall

Quick Tips: Opt for 1/8 oz jigs in shallow water, and use trolling speeds between 1.2 - 2.0 mph.

Bait and Lure Selection

10. Live Baits: Nightcrawlers, Minnows, and Leeches

Live bait often yields the best results with walleyes. Nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches are particularly effective, especially in spring and summer when walleyes feed actively.

11. Artificial Lures That Mimic Walleye’s Prey

Artificial lures, such as crankbaits, swimbaits, and soft plastics, can be just as effective as live bait.

Lure Colors: Natural colors in clear water; bright colors in stained water.
Switching Tips: Use live bait in low-light conditions; try artificial lures during active feeding times.

Weather, Light, and Water Conditions

12. Fishing During Low Light Conditions (Morning & Evening)

Walleye are most active during low-light conditions, making dawn and dusk ideal fishing times. Their light-sensitive eyes give them an advantage during these hours, so fishing during sunrise or sunset increases your chances of a catch.

13. Cloudy vs. Sunny Days and How to Adjust

On cloudy days, walleye are more likely to roam freely in shallower water. During sunny days, they tend to stay deeper or close to cover. Adjust your approach based on light conditions.

14. Understanding Water Clarity and Its Impact

Water clarity affects the visibility of your bait or lure. In clear water, opt for natural colors like silver or green. In murky water, choose bright colors to increase visibility.

Ideal conditions for walleye activity include cloudy skies and moderate winds.

Tips for Ice Fishing for Walleye (Seasonal)

15. Choosing the Right Ice Fishing Gear

Choose an ice fishing rod between 28-36 inches for the right balance of strength and sensitivity. A medium-action rod works well for walleye, paired with a 6-8 lb test line.

16. Identifying Underwater Structure with Sonar

Sonar helps pinpoint underwater structures where walleye often congregate, like drop-offs, humps, and reefs. Using sonar, you can target specific depths and find walleye more efficiently.

Ice Thickness: Minimum 4 inches for safety.
Effective Depths: 20-40 feet, depending on lake and season.

Advanced Tips for Experienced Anglers

17. Targeting Trophy Walleye

To find larger walleye, focus on deep structures and areas with less fishing pressure. They often inhabit deeper water during the day and move shallower to feed at night.

18. Seasonal Transition Strategies

Walleyes adjust their locations with each seasonal shift. During these transitions, focus on deeper drop-offs near feeding flats in spring and fall.

Key spots include points, drop-offs, and submerged structures in lesser-fished waters.

Conclusion

By applying these 18 tips, you can improve your walleye fishing game, whether targeting them from a boat or through the ice. Each tip is designed to help you better understand walleye behavior, make informed gear choices, and even incorporate fly fishing casting techniques for more precision in varying conditions. Try these methods on your next fishing trip, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or additional tips in the comments!